Scores of students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Tuesday staged a protest against the recent decision by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to rename the institution after late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
In a viral TikTok live stream hosted by user CHASE07, scores of students were seen blocking major roads in the city and chanting solidarity songs while wielding placards with messages such as “Keep the legacy”.
The protest brought vehicular and pedestrian movement to a complete halt along the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters, staff and residents stranded for several hours.
The students, who began converging at the school’s main gate in the early hours of the day, insisted that the name “The Polytechnic, Ibadan” must not be altered, describing the move as an assault on the institution’s heritage and identity.
The situation created a major traffic gridlock, as stranded workers and travellers expressed frustration over the disruption. Some lecturers and administrative staff were reportedly unable to access the campus.
The protest comes just days after Governor Makinde, during a commendation service for the late Olunloyo at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, announced that the institution would now bear the name Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the former governor and pioneer rector of the school.
Olunloyo, who briefly served as the governor of the old Oyo State between October and December 1983, died on April 6, 2025, weeks before his 90th birthday.
In a letter dated June 26, 2025, and addressed to the governor, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution demanded an immediate reversal of the decision. The letter, signed by the union’s President, Oladipupo Olamide, and General Secretary, Azeez Tolase, described the renaming as “unjustifiable” and a disregard for over five decades of academic legacy.
“For over 50 years, The Polytechnic Ibadan has been a beacon of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society,” the union stated.
“Renaming the institution would erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni,” the letter further warned.
The union also offered to engage in dialogue with the government but maintained that the name of the institution must remain untouched.
“The Polytechnic Ibadan must remain as the Polytechnic Ibadan,” they insisted.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Oyo State Government regarding the students’ demands.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
